Bariatric Surgery Statistics

BARIATRIC SURGERY: STATISTICS YOU SHOULD KNOW
The numbers don't lie. America is getting fatter by the second. According to a study from the Center for Disease Control, nearly one-third of the adult population in the United States was clinically obese in 2000. That was a 200% increase over a 20 year span. Further, the organization states that there are more than 300,000 deaths caused each year that can directly be attributed to obesity and lack of physical activity. Yet, many people strive to do something about it, as recent weight loss surgery statistics claim that more than 100,000 people have undergone such a procedure in the past year.

What are the bariatric surgery success rates? Keeping in mind that weight loss surgery is a last resort for many people, most experts place the success rate at around 75%, meaning that three out of every four people will find that bariatric surgery succeeds where other diet methods fail. By 18-months after the surgery's completion date, the average patient loses at least half of his or her excess poundage, with some dropping as much as 80% of his or her bodyweight. When compared to dieting, in which individuals typically lose just one-tenth of their bodyweight, the gastric bypass and lap band statistics do make it seem as though it offers a much greater opportunity for success.

Yet, there are other bariatric surgery statistics that people considering undergoing this procedure must consider. Roughly 20% of those who undergo a gastric bypass or lap band procedure will require additional surgery to mend complications, ranging from hernias to abdominal abscesses to gastrointestinal leaks and beyond. Three out of every ten patients will ultimately develop nutritional deficiencies such as anemia and osteoporosis, as they may find that the operation makes them intolerant to red meat, milk products, and other food types.

Further, according to the statistics of gastric bypass surgery provided by most doctors, there is nearly a 1% mortality rate associated with the procedure. It is estimated that one in every 100 to 300 people will die as a result of bariatric surgery. Additionally, one out of every four weight reduction surgeries fail, meaning that either the patient is never able to each his or her target weight, or fails to maintain the prescribed diet, thus either undoing the procedure or stretching the gastric pouch to a much larger size than was intended. Recall all of this data when considering whether or not bariatric surgery is right for you.